Local
Police Log: October 21
Incidents investigated by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department’s Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit
The following incidents were investigated by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department’s Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit.
On Oct. 17 at 17th and Monroe streets, N.W., a woman reported that she was walking down the street when she was threatened by a suspect. She then fled the area to avoid a confrontation. She reported that she heard the suspect possibly make some homophobic comments toward her. A threat report was taken.
On Oct. 14 in the 1800 block of West Virginia Avenue, N.E., a man reported that he was asked for money by an unknown subject. The man gave the subject some cash. The subject was unhappy with the quantity and began using homophobic slurs against him. The police arrived on the scene but the man did not want police service.
On Oct. 15 at Cloud Place and Division Avenue, N.E., a woman reported that she was at a party when she was attacked by an unknown male suspect, who began hitting her with a closed fist. The suspect hit her multiple times with a closed fist about the face and body causing a large laceration to the victim’s face. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect fled the scene.
On Oct. 14 at East Capitol Street and Benning Road., S.E., a woman reported that she and a suspect were involved in a verbal argument that became violent when the suspect struck the victim in the face with a closed fist. The suspect fled the scene. The two are involved in a romantic relationship. An assault report (domestic violence) was taken.
On Oct. 14, members of GLLU responded to the 1300 block of 4th Street, N.E., to assist with a robbery investigation. The investigation revealed that no robbery occurred.
On Oct. 13, in the 2500 block of Naylor Road., N.W., two complainants reported that they were involved in a verbal argument. One complainant wanted the other removed from the house. Both were advised of the domestic violence laws and were provided resource agency information. An incident report was completed.
On Oct.13, in the 1300 block of Belmont St., NW., a man reported that he got into a verbal altercation with his intoxicated neighbor. No crime was committed but the neighbor used homophobic language toward the complainant. An incident report was completed.
The Comings & Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at [email protected].
The Comings & Goings column also invites LGBTQ+ college students to share their successes with us. If you have been elected to a student government position, landed an exciting internship, or are graduating and beginning your career with a new job, let us know so we can share your success.
Congratulations to Jaime Christopher Pierce on their appointment to serve as a member of the Virginia Governor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. Pierce was sworn in on Sept. 3 by Greg Parks, clerk of the Alexandria Circuit Court.
Pierce currently serves as vice chair of the Alexandria City LGBTQIA+ Task Force and as a member of the Alexandria Pride planning committee. They previously served on the board of directors of Equality Virginia.
Upon being sworn in, Pierce said, “Public service has been a central part of my life for more than 30 years, and this appointment gives me an opportunity to serve the Commonwealth in a different and very personal way. My career has allowed me to work with people and communities throughout Virginia, and I hope to bring that experience, along with my own lived experience and my involvement in the LGBTQ+ community, to the work of the Board.” They added, “Having Greg administer the oath makes the occasion even more meaningful because of his own historic role as Virginia’s first openly gay elected circuit court clerk.”
Pierce also serves as Circuit Court Services Manager for the Department of Judicial Services, at the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. They began their career in Virginia’s judiciary in 1994 as a deputy clerk with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and have since held several professional and leadership positions within the court system. Pierce is a member of the National Association for Court Management (NACM) and the Mid-Atlantic Association for Court Management. At the national level, Pierce participated in the workgroup that developed the National Association for Court Management’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guide, a resource designed to help court professionals advance inclusive practices and strengthen access, fairness and belonging within the justice system.
Pierce earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Liberty University, and a certificate in Paralegal Studies from Norfolk State University.
Maryland
Md. groups receive state grants to fight hate crimes
Pride Center of Maryland among recipients
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy are awarding a total of $10 million in grants in the 2027 fiscal year to nonprofit organizations that work to prevent hate crimes in the state.
The funds will be used to support those who feel targeted or discriminated against because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.
The Pride Center of Maryland is among the recipients. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and LGBTQ organizations are all eligible to receive grants
“The safety and security of all Marylanders is my top priority, so we are drawing a hard line because we have no tolerance for hate,” said Moore, according to media reports. “We are committed to protecting and ensuring safe and sacred spaces stay that way by investing in non-profit organizations, houses of worship, and community centers to protect and honor every community that makes our state so diverse and special.”
“Protection Against Hate Crime funding has strengthened the Pride Center of Maryland’s ability to protect, educate, and support the communities we serve … at a time of heightened concern associated with the Trump administration’s anti-LGBTQ/SGL (same-gender-loving) policies and pressures,” Pride Center of Maryland CEO Cleo Manago said. “PAHC funding helps us do more than improve physical security — it strengthens our community’s knowledge, preparedness, connection to resources, and ability to respond to hate with greater awareness and support.”
Maryland’s hate crimes law includes both sexual orientation and gender identity. The state’s nondiscrimination statute is also LGBTQ-inclusive.
District of Columbia
Blade welcomes fall intern
Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida
The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.
Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.
“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”
Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.
‘Thelma and Louise’ remains landmark of unspoken queer rebellion
Comings & Goings
LGBTQ Military Happy Hour set for Sept. 15
Calendar: September 11-17
Multi-billion-dollar 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund to continue until 2090
Md. groups receive state grants to fight hate crimes
Nominate your favorites for the Blade’s 25th annual Best Of LGBTQ DC Awards
PHOTOS: SUNFESTIVAL
Gloria Steinem’s life of substance and consequence
